European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - August 25, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Narrow winding valleys with castles looming on the Heights above them Are characteristic of the Franzische Schweiz. Is photos Gus Schuettler by Norm Zeigler travel writer tucked away in a Little Corner of Eastern Bavaria near the East German czechoslovakian Border is a tiny jewel of a Region that though it has been a popular tourist destination for Over a Century remains remarkably unspoiled and relatively undiscovered by the masses. Located in the Triangle roughly bounded by Bamberg Bayreuth and Erlanger the Franzische Schweiz franconian Switzerland offers recreational and sightseeing opportunities to Appeal to Day trippers and vacationers with widely varied interests. It is a Region of dazzling natural Beauty historic ruins and picturesque half timbered villages abounding in Small town . The Franzische Schweiz floes not draw the throngs of tourists that you find along the Rhine or in places such As Heidelberg and Rothenburg and unlike main resort areas there is no night life scene. Also missing Are the noise and congestion Otten associated with the major tourist destinations. With neither big c Itie nor heavy Industry it is an area characterized in the peace and Tranquility of european country living. According to an article in a German spor Lishing Magazine the Bamberg writer Joseph i Leller. Joined the term Franzische Schwei in anti 2c Book extolling the natural Beauty of the Region. I he name combines the German word for the larger Region in which it lies Franken Franconia with the German word for Switzerland implying that it rivals that Alpine country in natural splendours. Although located in a country with a relatively High population density the area is remarkably wild. Centuries of human habitation wars famine and continued on / ii a 12 August 25, 1988 stripes Magazine